Apparatus and method useful for removing liquid from the outer surface of cylindrical pipette tube or the like

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for biological fluid analysis involving radiation measurement. The apparatus includes a pipetting dispenser having means for directing radiation from the piston thereof generally axially through the liquid in the pipette tube such that the pipetting dispenser serves not only as a means for measuring and mixing liquids, but also serves as a cuvette. The apparatus and method provide maximum radiation path length to accommodate liquids of different optical density. Still another feature of the apparatus and method is the provision of means for removing liquid from the outer surface of a pipette tube, which means are readily adapted to automated procedures. The apparatus in one embodiment is adapted for absorbance measurement of analyte samples, and in another embodiment is adapted for measurement of fluorescent radiation from analyte samples.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 06 306,206, filed Sept. 28,1981, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,814.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to the field of clinical chemistry,and more particularly to the analysis of biological fluids for thepresence or absence of certain biochemical components.

One common method for such analysis involves mixing a precisely measuredsmall volume of liquid analyte sample with a precisely measured smallvolume of one or more liquid reagents, incubating the mixture, measuringthe optical absorbance of the incubated mixture, and comparing it withthe optical absorbance of the sample measured prior to mixing withreagent.

Another method of analysis involves, instead of optical absorbancemeasurement, the measurement of fluorescent radiation resulting fromflash-type monochromatic irradiation of a fluorescent analyte sample.Absorption of radiant energy by the molecules of the analyte raises thevibrational level of such molecules from the ground state to one of theexcited electronic levels. The absorption step occurs within 10⁻¹⁵seconds, and the fluorescence results from the spontaneous radiativetransition that occurs when the molecules of the analyte return to theground electronic state upon termination of the incident radiation. Theresulting fluorescent light is given off equally in all directions at awavelength different from that of the exciting light, and with anintensity which is orders of magnitude lower than that of the incidentlight.

In carrying out analyses by the foregoing methods, the known artutilizes various combinations of precision liquid pipetting devices,pumps, mixers, light sources, light detectors, cuvettes and pipettecleaning means. Sample and reagent volumes are typically measured inprecision pipetting devices and are mixed in a mixing receptacle. Afterincubation of the mixed sample and reagent, as necessary, the pipettingdevice is used to transfer the incubated mixture to a cuvette forabsorbance measurement.

Typical of the general type of precision pipetting device known in theart are those disclosed in Drummond, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,086,and Allen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,790. Devices of this type include anelongated cylindrical barrel, at one end of which a pipette tube iscoaxially mounted. A plunger or piston is axially movable within thepipette tube and is carried by a spring-loaded holder movable axiallywithin and projecting from the other end of the barrel.

Typical cuvettes used in the art accommodate a substantial volume of theliquid analyte whose absorbance is to be photometrically measured. Thelength of the optical path through such cuvettes is fixed (e.g., 1 cm.),and because only a limited beam passes through the cuvette, only alimited portion of the analyte in the cuvette is actually exposed to theincident beam. Moreover, during such measurement, a substantial amountof the irradiating light is lost through the sides of conventionalcuvettes due to scattering. Because the optical path throughconventional cuvettes is fixed, if a liquid analyte is too dense to bemeasured in a given cuvette, either the liquid must be diluted, or acuvette with a shorter optical path must be used.

Because precision measurement of liquids by pipetting devices requiresthat liquid adhering to the outer surface thereof be removed, variousmeans have been developed for wiping such surfaces, as by causing thepipette to pierce, or to pass through a hole of smaller diameter formedin, a layer of bibulous material.. The procedures thus far developedhave not, however, been of a type which is well adapted to automation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing in mind, it is a principal object of the presentinvention to provide an improved apparatus and method for radiationmeasurement involving the use of a precision liquid pipetting devicewhich also functions as a cuvette.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus andmethod of the class described wherein nearly all of the analyte in thepipette/cuvette is subjected to the incident light.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatusand method of the aforementioned character in which the longest possibleoptical path length for a given volume of analyte is provided, and theirradiation of the liquid is maximized by multiple internal reflectionsthrough the liquid, which reflections also minimize light loss.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus andmethod as aforedescribed wherein the volume of the analyte and theoptical path length therethrough can be precisely and infinitely variedto accommodate the optical density of the particular analyte, so thatneither dilution of the analyte, nor substitution of cuvettes need beresorted to.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improvedapparatus and method of the class described wherein novel meansadaptable to automated procedures are used to remove liquid from theouter surface of the pipette tube to insure precision volumetric andradiation measurement.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus andmethod of the character described wherein the optical path through theliquid in the pipette tube extends in a direction generally axially ofthe tube from a piston therein toward the outer end of the tube.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an improvedapparatus and method as aforedescribed wherein the pipette pistonincorporates light source means and comprises one end portion of a lightguide, which guide extends externally of the pipette/cuvette and isadapted to receive radiation from from a source thereof.

Another specific object of the invention is to provide an improvedpipette/cuvette which is well adapted for use in either opticalabsorbance or fluorescent radiation measurements of liquid analytesamples.

As the description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings,other and further objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a semi-diagrammatic showing of parts of the apparatus of thepresent invention illustrating the optics of the embodiment thereofadapted for optical absorbance measurement.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the pipette/cuvette portion ofthe apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the lower end of thedevice shown in FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a view, partly in vertical section, of the light source meansportion of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken through the radiationmeasurement fixture portion of an embodiment of the present inventionadapted for optical absorbance measurement, part of the pipette/cuvettebeing shown in operative position within said fixture.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 5 taken through theradiation measurement fixture portion of an embodiment of the presentinvention adapted for fluorescent radiation measurement, part of thepipette/cuvette being shown in operative position within said fixture.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the preferred form of the portionof the apparatus of the present invention by which liquid is removedfrom the outer surface of a pipette tube, part of the pipette/cuvettebeing shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 8 is a plan view taken along the line of VIII--VIII of FIG. 7 andin the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 9 is a perspective semi-diagramatic view of another form of theportion of the apparatus by which liquid is removed from the outersurface of a pipette tube, part of the pipette/cuvette being shown inphantom lines.

FIG. 10 shows a fragment of FIG. 9 and illustrates the pressing of theabsorbent tapes around the lower end of the pipette tube by the movablepressure members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In describing the invention, reference will be had first to FIG. 1,which illustrates diagrammatically the optics of the embodiment thereofadapted for optical absorbance measurement. More particularly, a liquidanalyte sampIe 22, the absorbance of which is to be measured, iscontained in a cylindrical tube 14, for example, of glass, quartz orclear plastic, in which a piston 16 is movable. Incorporated with piston16 is one end of a fiber optic light guide 17, the other end of which ispositioned to receive radiation from a light source 18. Interposedbetween light source 18 and the fiber optic guide member 17 are a filter19 and a condensing lens 20. The lower end of the tube 14 is alignedwith and directed toward a radiation detector 21, which may take theform of a photodiode, which is connected to suitable readout means (notshown), which may include a picoammeter (also not shown).

For a more specific description of the apparatus of the presentinvention, reference is made to FIG. 2, wherein a portion of theimproved apparatus which shall be characterized as a pipette/cuvette 24is shown in axial section. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe pipette/cuvette 24 resembles a Drummond-type precision liquidpipetting device of the general type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,790.

Device 24 comprises a tubular barrel 5 having in its upper end portionan axial bore 25 which terminates at its lower end in a reduced diameterbore 26. Bore 26, in turn, communicates with a bore 27 which terminatesat its lower end an outwardly flared frusto-conical bore portion 28. Theupper end of the barrel 5 is internally threaded, as at 29, to receivethe externally threaded portion of the tubular stem 30 of a barrel cap3. An O-ring 4 may be provided to seal the juncture between the cap 3and barrel 5.

Axially slidable within the barrel cap 3 and axially movable within thebarrel 5 is a tubular plunger 2 having a cap 1 threaded on the upper endthereof as shown. The plunger 2 is biased upwardly by a helical spring 7which, at its upper end, engages concentric shoulder means on theplunger 2, and at its lower end is seated in the lower end of the bore25 as shown.

Seated within the bore 27 adjacent the bore 26 is a guide bushing 8which is held in place by a set screw 9. A glass tube 14 extendscoaxially within the bore 27 and engages the annular outer end surfaceof bushing 8. The lower end of the barrel 5 is externally threaded toreceive an internally threaded compression nut 13 through which the tube14 extends, and a tapered resilient tubular compression fitting 12surrounds the tube 14 within the tapered bore 28. The compression nut 13and compression fitting 12 cooperate to hold the tube 14 coaxiallywithin the bore 27 as shown.

Extending coaxially through the plunger cap 1, plunger 2, barrel 5, andglass tube 14 is a light guide means which in the preferred form of theinvention is a fiber optic member. A plastic core, plastic-clad singlefiber optic rod purchased from Poly Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, Cailif.,and having a diameter of 0.025 inch has been found to functionsatisfaotorily in the embodiment of the present invention adapted foroptical absorbance measurement. Within the device 24 the fiber opticlight guide member 17 is preferably encased in a tubular stainless steelsheath 15. At its lower end, the encased light guide member 17 isincorporated within a piston 16 slidable within the tube 14. The pistonmay take the form of a cylindrical Teflon® sleeve press fitted onto thelower end of the stainless steel tubular sheath 15 as shown in FIG. 3.The light guide member 17 and its metal sheath 15 are fixed within theplunger 2 by means of a set screw 6 as shown, In FIG. 2 the piston 16 isshown in its lowermost position, it being understood that unless theplunger 2 is restrained, the spring 7 will actuate the plunger 2upwardly to thereby retract the piston 16 within the glass tube 14.

The tubular sheath 15 surrounding the light guide member 17 has acoaxial sliding fit within the bushing 8, and at its upper endterminates a short distance above the plunger cap 1 as shown. The lightguide member 17 extends to the light source means assembly 31 shown indetail in FIG. 4. The portion of the guide member 17 extending betweenthe device 24 and the assembly 31 is encased within a flexible tubularsheath 23 which may be made of opaque polyvinyl chloride or othersuitable material. The light guide member 17 is preferably sufficientlyflexible to permit free movement of the device 24 in the use thereof.However, it will be understood that the metal sheath 15 imparts rigidityto the portion of the light guide member 17 within the device 24 andfunctions as a piston rod for the piston 16.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the light source assembly 31 illustratedtherein comprises a tubular base member 32 formed with an axiallyextending slot 33 to accommodate a thumb screw 34 which is threaded intoa cylindrical light source support sleeve 35. The sleeve 35 has a lightsource 18 fixed therein, as by a set screw 36. In the embodiment of theinvention adapted for absorbance measurement, the source 18 may take theform of an incandescent lamp, and more particularly lamp No. 3027available from the General Electric Company. It is apparent that byreleasing the thumb screw 34, the position of sleeve 35, together withsource 18, may be vertically adjusted. It can then be resecured in theadjusted position by tightening the thumb screw 34.

The base member 32 is formed at its upper end with a rectangularenlargement 37 to accommodate a drawer-like filter holder 38, having anaperture 39 in its bottom wall. The filter holder 38 is provided with aknob 40 to permit withdrawal thereof and placement therein of a lightfilter 19 as shown. The presently preferred form of filter 19 for use inabsorbance measurements is a two-cavity interference type filter havinga wavelength of 500 nanometers and one-half band width of 12 nanometers.

The upper end of the base member 32 is internally threaded to receivethe external thread on the lower end portion of a condenser lensassembly 20 mounted coaxially thereon. The illustrated lens assembly 20may take the form of a microscope objective lens such as Unitron No.43732, coated, 100×, oil immersion, and having a numerical aperture of1.25. Coaxially mounted on the upper end of the lens assembly 20 is aninverted cup-shaped member 41. A thumb screw 42 extends through the wallof the member 41 as shown, and engages the lens assembly 20 to securethe member 41 thereto. Adjustment of the axial position of the member 41with respect to the assembly 20 can be accomplished upon loosening thethumb screw 42, and retightening the thumb screw will secure said memberin the new position to which it is moved.

The cup-shaped member 41 has a transverse wall 43 which is formed withan axial bore 44 to receive the end portion of the light guide member 17associated therewith. An extent of metallic sheath 45, similar to themetallic sheath 15 in FIG. 2, encases the portion of the light guidemember 17 extending through the bore 44, said sheath extending upwardlyfrom the wall 43 a short distance as shown. The light guide member 17and its sheath 45 are secured within the wall portion 43 by a set screw46 as shown.

It will be observed that the end portion of the light guide member 17within the cup-shaped member 41 is coaxially aligned with the condenserlens assembly 20 and terminates a short distance from the upper endthereof. The axial distance between the end portion of light guidemember 17 and the lens assembly 20 is adjustable by adjustment of theaxial position of the cup member 41 with respect to assembly 20 asaforementioned, said distance being chosen to insure maximumconcentration of light from the source 18 onto the adjacent end of thelight guide member 17.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated therein a fixture 47 whichforms a part of an embodiment of the invention adapted for absorbancemeasurements. The fixture 47 comprises a tubular base member 48 having abarrel member 49 telescopically fitted into the upper end thereof. Thebase 48 is formed with a suitable cavity for accommodation of aradiation sensing device 21 which, for absorbance measurements, may be aphotodetector of the type identified as EG & O UV-360B 9/21. Fixedwithin the lower end of the barrel 49 is a cylindrical guide member 50having a bore 51 of a size to slidably receive the glass tube 14 ofdevice 24, the bore 51 communicating at its upper end in an outwardlyflared frusto-conical bore 52. As shown in FIG. 5, the pipette/cuvettedevice 24 can be coaxially placed on the upper end of the barrel 49, andif the lower end of the tube 14 of device 24 engages the surface of thetapered bore 52 during such placement, it is guided thereby into thebore 51.

The position of the lower end of the tube 14 with respect to thephotodetector 21 is determined by the position of a collar 10 whichengages the upper end of barrel 49 and is adjustably fixed coaxially onthe barrel 5 of device 24 by a set screw 11 shown in FIG. 2. The setscrew 11 permits adjustment of the position of the collar 10 on thebarrel 5 of device 24, and thereby the spacing between the end of thetube 14 and photodetector 21, when the device 24 is supported on theFixture 47 as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 1, along with FIG. 5, it will be understood that,because of the lens effect of the meniscus 53 formed by the liquidsample 22 at the lower end of the glass tube 14, it is important foraccuracy and reproducibility of absorbance measurements that saidmeniscus be consistently reproducible. Since, as will hereinafter beapparent, the analyte sample 22 is introduced into tube 14 by aspirationfrom a quantity thereof in a receptacle, the present invention providesmeans for removing liquid from the outer surface of the tube 14 aftersuch aspiration to thereby insure reproducibility of the meniscus 53.Absent such removal, liquid on the outer surface of the tube 14 mightflow downwardly to the end of the tube and interfere with the formationof a consistent meniscus 53. Removal of such excess liquid is alsoimportant to the proper operation of the embodiment of the inventionadapted for fluorescent radiation measurement, as will hereinafterappear. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the presently preferred form ofapparatus for removal of liquid from the outer surface of the outer endportion of a pipette tube, and FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate anotherembodiment of such apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the apparatus 54 illustrated therein comprisesa base member 57 and a support member 58 formed with a bore 59. Thesupport member 58 is adapted to receive and support a pipette/cuvettedevice 24 as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 7. The base member 57 has aninclined upper surface 60 above which are mounted a supply spool 61 anda take-up spool 62 for a tape 63 extending therebetween. The tape 63 maybe made of any suitable absorbent material, for example hydrophilic foamplastic or bibulous paper. The tape 63 passes through guide members 64and 65 mounted on base member 57 and is formed with a central helicalloop portion 66 as shown.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, mounted between the guide member 64 andsupply spool 61 is a drive roller 67 and a cooperating pressure roller68 between which the tape 63 passes. Similarly disposed between theguide member 65 and take-up spool 62 is a drive roller 69 andcooperating pressure roller 70 between which the tape 63 passes. As iswell known in the tape transport art, the supply spool 61 may be mountedas an idler, and the take-up spool 62 may be continuously driven from asuitable source through a slip clutch mechanism (not shown) permitting apredetermined maximum tension to be exerted on the tape 63. The driverollers 67 and 69 are also driven at appropriate times from suitablesources under the control of appropriate control means well known in theart.

With the tape loop 66 of the size shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, insertionaxially therethrough of the glass tube 14 of device 24 can beaccomplished by coaxial placement of said device in the bore 59 ofsupport member 58. Removal of liquid from the outer surface of the tube14 is accomplished by pressing the tape 63 into contact therewith. Suchpressing contact is effected by reducing the diameter of the loop 66 tothat of the outer surface of the tube 14 so that a snug wicking contacttherewith results.

This diameter reduction is effected by advancing movement of the driveroller 69, while drive roller 67 is held stationary. If desired, thedrive roller 69 may have a slip clutch in its driving connection toprevent excessive tension from being exerted on the tape 63. Once theliquid on the outer surface of the tube 14 has been absorbed by the tape63 pressed in contact therewith, the size of the loop 66 can then bereturned to the diameter shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 by advancing movement ofthe drive roller 67 while the drive roller 69 is held stationary. Thedevice 24 can then be removed from the support member 58 and moved tothe fixture 47 shown in FIG. 5 for absorbance measurement. The tape 63is then advanced to bring a fresh portion thereof into the loop 66 bysimultaneous advancing movement of the pressure rollers 67 and 69 at thesame rate of speed. The apparatus 54 is then ready to be used forremoval of liquid from the outer surface of the tube 14 of a succeedingdevice 24.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate semi-diagrammatically another form ofapparatus 71 useful for removal of liquid from the outer surface of thetube 14 of a device 24. Apparatus 71 comprises a base member 72 on whichare suitably mounted a supply spool 73 and a take-up spool 74 woundaround which and extending between which are absorbent tapes 75 and 76which may be similar to the tape 63 in FIGS. 7 and 8. Extending upwardlyfrom the base 72 are a pair of cylindrical tape-spacing members 77 and78 which normally hold the portions of the tapes 75 and 76 extendingbetween the said members in laterally spaced relation as shown.

Interposed between the member 78 and supply spool 73 are a drive roller79 and a cooperating pressure roller 80. Similarly interposed betweenthe take-up spool 74 and the member 77 is a drive roller 81 and acooperating pressure roller 82. The supply spool 73 is preferably anidler, whereas the take-up spool 74 may be continuously driven through aslip clutch mechanism which limits the maximum tension which can beexerted by this spool 74 on the tapes 75 and 76 wound thereon. Alsomounted on the base member 72 is an upstanding support member 83 havinga vertical bore 84 therein. The member 83 is adapted to support apipette/cuvette device 24 placed in the bore 84 thereof as shown inphantom lines in FIG. 9. With the device 24 thus supported, the glasstube 14 thereof extends downwardly with its lower end disposed betweenthe adjacent portions of the spaced tapes 75 and 76 as shown.

Means is provided for moving the portions of the tapes 75 and 76adjacent the tube 14 into snug contact with the outer surface of thetube 14 so that said tape portions absorb liquid on the outer surface ofsaid tube. To this end, the apparatus 71 is provided with alignedpressure members 85 and 86 mounted on opposite sides of the tapes 75 and76 as shown. The facing edge portions of the members 85 and 86 areformed with complemental semi-cylindrical notches 87 and 88,respectively, which notches have a radius only slightly larger than theradius of the outer surface tube 14. Members 85 and 86 are suitablymounted for reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. Suchmovement may be effected by any suitable actuating means, solenoidactuating mechanisms 89 and 90 being shown diagrammatically associatedwith the members 85 and 86, respectively.

FIG. 10 illustrates how the portions of the tapes 75 and 76 adjacent thetube 14 are pressed into contact with the outer surface of the lower endof the tube 14 by movement of the members 85 and 86 toward each other.Upon retraction of the members 85 and 86 to their positions shown inFIG. 9, the tapes 75 and 76 will return generally to the positionsthereof shown in that figure, and the device 24 can be removed andtransferred to the fixture 47 shown in FIG. 5 for absorbancemeasurement. The tapes 75 and 76 are then advanced by simultaneousoperation of the drive rollers 79 and 81 to bring a fresh portion ofeach of tapes 75 and 76 between the spacer members 77 and 78. Asucceeding device 24 may then be placed in the bore 84 of the supportmember 83 for removal of liquid from the outer surface of tube 14thereof.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 54 ofFIGS. 7 and 8 and the apparatus 71 of FIGS. 9 and 10, when provided withappropriate well-known control means, are both well adapted to automatedprocedures.

The use of the apparatus of the present invention in the analysis of aliquid biological analyte sample by a procedure involving opticalabsorbance measurement will now be described, it being understood thatthe light guide member 17 is of a sufficient length and flexibility topermit facile movement and manipulation of the pipette/cuvette device 24during the course of the procedure. With the parts of the device 24 inthe position thereof shown in FIG. 2, the outer end of the glass tube 14is placed into a liquid analyte sample of biological fluid, and byretractile movement of the plunger 2 and thereby of piston 16, aprecisely measured quantity of the analyte is aspirated into the tube14. The device 24, with the measured sample in the tube 14, is thentransferred to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 or that shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, and by operation of such mechanisms in the mannerdescribed, the liquid analyte adhering to the outer surface of the tube14 is removed by the absorbent tape as a result of a wicking action.This provides a precise meniscus 53 in the sample as shown in FIG. 1,and the device 24 is then transferred to the fixture 47 shown in FIG. 5.

The lamp 18 of the light source means 31 shown in FIG. 4 is thenilluminated, and as shown by the broken lines in FIG. 1, light therefromtravels through the filter 19, the condenser lens assembly 20, and thefiber optic light guide 17 to the measured liquid analyte sample in tube14 identified by the number 22. It will be observed that the tube 14 andthe liquid sample 22 function as a light guide similar in operation tothe light guide member 17, and that the light emitted from the tube 14is directed toward the photodetector 21. The amount of light reachingthe photodetector 21 is indicated or recorded by suitable readout means(not shown). The device 24 is then removed from the fixture 47 and theouter end of the tube 14 thereof is then placed in a suitable mixingreceptacle (not shown). The measured analyte is then dispensed into themixing receptacle by depression of the plunger 2 which causes return ofthe parts of the device 24 to the position shown in FIG. 2.

The outer end of the tube 14 of device 24 is then placed in a liquidreagent to be used in the analytical method, and a precisely measuredvolume thereof is aspirated into the tube 14 by retractile movement ofthe plunger 2 and corresponding retractile movement of piston 16. Theouter end of the tube 14 is then placed in the mixing receptacle and themeasured reagent portion is dispensed thereinto by advancing movement ofthe plunger 2 and piston 16 sufficient to return the parts of the device24 to the postion shown in FIG. 2.

The measured analyte and reagent portions in the mixing receptacle arethen mixed by successive aspiration thereof into the tube 14 anddispensing thereof into the mixing receptacle in response to successiveretractile and advancing movement of the plunger 2 while the outer endof the tube 14 is in the combined liquids. The mixed sample and reagentare then incubated, if necessary, and a precisely measured quantity ofthe mixed sample and reagent is then aspirated into the tube 14 byretractile movement of the plunger 2 and piston 16 while the outer endof said tube is in the mixed liquids.

The device 24 is then transferred to the apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8 or 9and 10 for removal, in the manner aforedescribed, of any liquid on theouter surface of the end portion of the tube 14. Device 24 is thenplaced on the fixture 47 of FIG. 5, and the optical absorbance of themixed analyte and reagent in the tube 14 is measured, i.e., the lightfrom source 18 not absorbed by the liquid in the tube 14 is directedonto the photodiode 21 for measurement and recordal as aforedescribed.The difference between the amount of light which is transmitted throughthe precisely measured volume of unmixed analyte sample to thephotodetector 21 and the amount of light which is transmitted throughthe same precise volume of mixed analyte and reagent to saidphotodetector provides meaningful optical absorbance data indicating thepresence and/or amount of a particular biochemical component in theanalyte sample. The optical absorbance is measured at the particularwavelength in the UV to IR range of the electromagnetic spectrumpermitted to pass through the selected filter 19.

The pipette/cuvette device 24 is also well adapted for use inmeasurement of fluorescent radiation resulting from flash-typemonochromatic irradiation of a fluorescent analyte sample, and FIG. 6illustrates a form of the apparatus of the present invention which isparticularly adapted for such radiation measurement. In FIG. 6 the partsindicated by reference numerals with the suffix "a" correspond ingeneral to parts of the fixture 47 (FIG. 5) indicated by the samereference numerals without a suffix.

More particularly, FIG. 6 illustrates a fixture 47a comprising a tubularbase member 48a formed at its upper end with an outwardly and upwardlyprojecting annular flange portion 91 having a concave upper surface 92.Supported on the surface 92 is an integrating sphere 93, the outersurface of which has a radius of curvature complemental to that of thesurface 92. Mounted on the sphere 93 diametrically opposite the flange91 is a tubular fitting 94 having a downwardly facing concave annularflange 95 which is generally similar to flange 91. Telescopically fittedinto the fitting 94 is a barrel member 49a. Fixed within the lower endof barrel 49a is a cylindrical guide member 50a having a frusto-conicalbore 52a extending axially therethrough and terminating at its lower endin a circular opening 51a which is of a size to slidably receivetherethrough the glass tube 14 of device 24.

The sphere 93 is formed with a bore 96 therethrough which is of the samediameter and is coaxial with the circular opening 51a. Diametricallyopposite the bore 96 the sphere 93 is formed with a cylindricalcup-shaped radially outwardly offset portion 97 having a flat innersurface 98. The offset portion 97 has an inner diametet of a size toslidably receive the outer end of tube 14 of device 24 telescopicallytherein.

The sphere 93 is formed with a radiation exit opening 99 offsetsubstantially ninety degrees from the bore 96 and offset portion 97.High reflectance is provided to the inner surface of the sphere 93 aswell as to the flat inner surface 98 of offset 97, for example, by alayer 100 of highly reflective material such as magnesium oxide orbarium sulfate, or by other suitable means.

The base member 48a is provided with a lateral projection 101 forsupporting a photodetector 21a which preferably takes the form of a sideviewing photomultiplier or photodiode. The photodetector is positionedto receive radiation emitted from the sphere 93 through exit opening 99,and interposed between said photodetector and the sphere. 93 is a narrowbandpass interference filter 102.

The light source appropriate for the production of fluorescent radiationis different from the incandescent source 18 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and4. More Particularly, when the apparatus of FIG. 6 is used, the source18 preferably takes the form of a short arc xenon flash lamp capable ofproducing a short, e.g., 10⁻⁸ seconds, very intense flash of light. Alamp satisfactory for this purposes is the FX332 lamp made by theElectro-Optics Division of E. G. & G., Inc., 35 Congress Street, Salem,Mass.

The filter 19 used for fluorescent radiation measurement is one whichhas high light transmittance at the optimum excitation wavelength of theparticular fluorescent analyte sample (fluorophore) whose fluorescentradiation is to be measured, and which does not transmit light having awavelength longer than said excitation wavelength. On the other hand,the filter 102 in FIG. 6 is one which has high light transmittance atthe fluorescent emission wavelength of the particular fluorophore whosefluorescent radiation is to be measured, and which does not transmitlight of a shorter wavelength. Since the excitation wavelength issubstantially shorter than the fluorescent emission wavelength,radiation of the excitation wavelength is prevented from passage throughthe filter 102, whereas radiation of the fluorescent emission wavelengthis readily transmitted through filter 102.

The optimum excitation radiation wavelength and the wavelength of theresultant fluorescent emission varies for different fluorophores. Table1 lists such wavelengths for several of the more common fluorophores andcan serve as the basis for selection of the commercially availablefilters to be used as filters 19 and 102.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                                    Fluorescent                                                        Excitation Emission                                                           Wavelength Wavelength                                        Fluorophore      (nm)       (nm)                                              ______________________________________                                        Tryptophan       275        348                                               1-Naphthol       335        455                                               NADH             340        435                                               Quinine          350        450                                               Umbelliferone    365        450                                               Umbelliferone-3-Carboxamide                                                                    405        450                                               Acridine         450        530                                               Riboflavin       455        525                                               Florescein       480        520                                               Resorufin        540        580                                               Rhodamine B      550        605                                               ______________________________________                                    

In the measurement of fluorescent radiation the fiber optic light guide17 used is one which is capable of transmitting light of frequenciesextending into the UV range. Suitable materials are commerciallyavailable for this purpose, such as quartz, glass and organoplastic.

Since the intensity of fluorescent light emitted from a fluorescentanalyte is orders of magnitude lower than that of the incidentexcitation radiation, the need to more effectively collect fluorescentradiation has led to the development of the integrating sphere-typefluorimeter of the type disclosed by W. R. Ware and W. Rothman in Chem,Phys. Letters 39 (1976) 49. In that instrument a conventional cuvette islocated centrally of the integrating sphere, and the fluorescentradiation emitted by the analyte in the cuvette is reflected by thesphere walls until it is absorbed by a photodetector or lost through theincident beam entrance opening.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the pipette/cuvette device 24 is in operativeposition on the fixture 47a, the tube 14 containing the analyte sampleor mixed analyte and reagent extends diametrically across the interiorof the integrating sphere 93. In carrying out an analysis involvingfluorescent radiation measurement by the use of the apparatus of thepresent invention, the procedure followed for measurement of analyte andreagent and mixing thereof, as well as for removal of liquid from theouter surface of the end portion of tube 14, are generally the same ashas been described in connection with procedures used for absorbancemeasurements.

The pipette/cuvette device 24 containing the measured analyte or mixedanalyte and sample is placed in the operative position shown in FIG. 6by inserting the tube 14 generally coaxially into the upper end ofbarrel 49a and downwardly through the guide member 50a, opening 51a andbore 96. As the tip of tube 14 approaches the offset portion 97 oncontinued downward movement, the cylindrical compression nut 13 ofdevice 24 fits telescopically within barrel 49a to thereby guide the tipof tube 14 telescopically into the cylindrical offset portion 97 untildevice 24 comes to rest when collar 10 contacts the upper end of barrel49a.

The xenon flash lamp 18 now in light source means 31 is then energizedto produce a very intense flash of light of short duration, i.e., 10⁻[seconds. This flash of light travels through filter 19 which permitspassage therethrough of only that wavelength of light which is theoptimium for excitation of the particular fluorophore in the liquid intube 14. The monochromatic light leaving filter 19 travels through thecondenser lens assembly 20 and fiber optic light guide 17 to and throughthe liquid in tube 14. The light strikes the highly reflective innersurface 98 of offset 97 and is reflected back through the liquid,thereby illuminating said liquid twice with each flash.

Absorption of this radiant energy by the molecules of fluorophore in theliquid in tube 14 raises the vibrational level of such molecules fromthe ground state to one of the excited electronic levels. Thisabsorption occurs within 10⁻¹⁵ seconds, and fluorescence results fromthe spontaneous radiative transition which occurs when the molecules ofthe fluorophore return to the ground electronic state upon cessation ofthe flash of incident excitation radiation. The resulting fluorescentlight is given off equally in all directions and at the wavelengthtypical of the particular fluorophore, for example as set forth in Table1.

The fluorescent radiation emitted from the liquid in tube 14 isreflected by the highly reflective inner surface 100 until it passes outthe opening 99 and into the filter 102. Filter 102 blocks passagetherethrough of incident light at the excitation wavelength which wouldinterfere with accurate measurement of the fluorescent radiation if suchexcitation wavelength radiation were permitted to reach thephotodetector 21a along with the fluorescent radiation. The fluorescentradiation thus passes through filter 102 and the amount thereof reachingphotodetector 21a is indicated or recorded by suitable readout means(not shown).

The apparatus and method of the present invention are substantialimprovements over prior art optical absorbance and fluorescent radiationmeasurement apparatus and methods. Of particular importance is the factthat the device 24 serves, not only as a precision liquid pipettingdevice for the measurement and mixing of analyte and reagent, but italso functions as a cuvette in which the combined analyte and reagentare contained during optical absorbance or fluorescent radiationmeasurements. As best shown in FIG. 1, substantially all of the liquidin the tube 14 is subjected to the irradiating light. This contrastswith conventional cuvettes in which the irradiating light beam passesthrough only a limited portion of the contained liquid.

It is also apparent from FIG. 1 that the device 24 provides the longestpossible light path length for a given volume of liquid, and that theirradiation of the liquid is maximized by the multiple internalreflections through the liquid, which reflections also minimize incidentlight loss.

Another feature of the apparatus of the present invention is that thevolume of the liquid in the tube 14 and the optical path lengththerethrough can be precisely and infintely varied to accommodate theoptical density of the particular liquid by the simple expedient ofselection of the retracted position of the piston 16. This obviates theneed for either diluting the liquid or substituting a cuvette ofdifferent optical path length.

The apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, by removing liquid from the outersurface of the outer end portion of the tube 14, not only provides forprecise meniscus formation at the outer end of said tube, but it alsominimizes liquid cross-contamination between successive analyzing methodsequences, as well as preventing contamination of portions of thefluorescent radiation measurement apparatus, particularly in the area ofthe offset 97 of sphere 93.

The apparatus of the present invention has demonstrated remarkablereproducibility in light absorbance measurement. More particularly, theapparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and the described absorbance measurementmethod were tested for reproducibility of light measurement using aseries of two-fold dilutions of dye in water. The apparatus demonstrateda reproducibility in light measurement down to the noise level of theelectronic light measurement circuitry used, which was 1.2 percent. Itis logical to assume that had a more sensitive electronic circuit beenused which had a lower noise level, even greater reproducibility wouldhave been demonstrated.

Various changes, adaptations and modifications of the illustratedembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.All of such changes, adaptations and modifications are contemplated asmay come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as the invention is:
 1. Apparatus useful for removingliquid from the outer surface of a cylindrical tube or the likecomprising means for supporting at least one extent of dry bibulousmaterial with first portions thereof in standby positions at a workstation wherein said portions are sufficiently spaced apart to permitready interposition of a cylindrical tube in an operative positiontherebetween spaced from each of said first portions; actuating meansfor moving said first portions from said standby positions into contactwith outer surface portions of a cylindrical tube in said operativeposition and for thereafter retracting said first portions from contactwith such tube to said standby positions; and means for substituting forthe retracted first portions of bibulous material replacement secondportions of dry bibulous material in said standby positions. 2.Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said bibulous material is in tape form,and said means for substituting for the retracted first portions of saidtape replacement dry second portions comprises means for advancing saidtape in a manner to move the first portions thereof out of said standbypositions and simultaneously to move adjacent dry tape portions intosaid standby positions.
 3. Apparatus as in claim 2 which additionallycomprises means for guiding said tape into the form of a loop of whichsaid first portions form a part.
 4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein saidactuating means comprises drive means associated with said tape forreducing the length of tape in said loop to thereby reduce the diameterthereof, and for thereafter increasing the length of tape in said loopto thereby increase the diameter thereof.
 5. Apparatus as in claim 1which additionally comprises means for removably supporting acylindrical tube in said operative position in spaced relation betweensaid first portions when the latter are in their standby positions. 6.Appararus as in claim 1 which additionally comprises means for removablysupporting a pipette device or the like having a cylindrical tubeportion with said tube portion in said operative position in spacedrelation between said first portions when the latter are in theirstandby positions.
 7. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein one end of saidtape is wound on a supply spool and the other end of said tape is woundon a take-up spool, and said means for substituting for the retractedfirst portions replacement dry second portions of tape comprises meansoperable when said first portions are in said retracted standbypositions to withdraw said tape from said supply spool at apredetermined rate and to simultaneously wind said tape on said take-upspool at substantially the same rate.
 8. Apparatus as in claim 4 whereinone end of said tape is wound on a supply spool and the other end ofsaid tape is wound on a take-up spool, and said drive means isoperatively associated with said tape and said spools in such a mannerthat it decreases the length of tape in said loop by causing winding ofsaid tape on the take-up spool without simultaneously withdrawing saidtape from the supply spool, and it increases the length of tape in saidloop by causing unwinding of said tape from the supply spool withoutsimultaneously winding said tape on the take-up spool.
 9. Apparatus asin claim 1 wherein said first portions when in said standby positionsrespectively form parts of spaced apart generally rectilinear andparallel extends of two bibulous material tapes.
 10. Apparatus in claim9 which additionally comprises spacer means normally holding said tapeextents in said spaced apart relation, and wherein said acutating meanscomprises a pair of reciprocating pressure members movable fromretracted toward advanced positions to thereby move said tape portionsfrom said standby positions into contact with outer surface portions ofa cylindrical tube in said operative positions.
 11. Apparatus as inclaim 9 wherein one end of both of said tapes is wound on a supplyspool, and the other end of both of said tapes is wound on a take-upspool.
 12. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said means for substitutingfor the retracted first portions replacement dry second portionscomprises means operable to withdraw said tapes from the supply spool ata predetermined rate and to simultaneously wind said tapes on saidtake-up spool at substantially the same rate.
 13. Apparatus as in claim10 wherein said pressure members comprise oppositely disposed blockshaving facing surfaces formed with complementary semi-cylindricalnotches having a radius slightly larger than the radius of the outersurface of a cylindrical tube from which liquid is to be removed by theapparatus.
 14. A method useful for removing liquid from the outersurface of a cylindrical tube or the like comprising the steps ofsupporting portions of at least one extent of dry bibulous material instandby positions at a work station wherein said portions aresufficiently spaced apart to permit ready interposition of a cylindricaltube in an operative position therebetween spaced from each of saidbibulous materail portions; placing in said operative position acylindrical tube having liquid on the outer surface thereof; moving saidbibulous material portions from said standby positions into conformingcontact with the outer surface of said tube for absorption of liquidtherefrom; retracting said bibulous material portions from contact withsaid tube to said standby positions; and then stustituting for theretracted bibulous material portions in said standby positionsreplacement portions of dry bibulous material.
 15. The method of claim14 wherein, after retraction of said bibulous material portion to saidstandby positions, said cylindrical tube is removed from said operativeposition and is placed therein by a succeeding tube having liquid on theouter surface thereof.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein said bibulousmaterail portions are oppositely disposed portions of a loop of bibulousmaterial tape; said portions are moved into contact with said tube byreducing the length of said tape in said loop to thereby reduce thediameter thereof; and retraction of said tape portions from contact withthe tube is effected by increasing the length of tape in said loop tothereby increase the diameter thereof.
 17. The method of claim 14wherein said bibulous material portions are respectively portions of twobibulous material tapes and in standby position are spaced from saidtube in oppositely disposed, generally parallel relation; and movementof said portions into conforming contact with said tube is effected bypressing said portions toward said tube.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein said tape portions are moved from said standby positions intoconforming contact with said tube by a pair of oppositely disposedpressure blocks advanced from retracted positions respectively spacedoutwardly from the standby positions of said tape portions toward eachother into contact with said tape portions and toward said tube; andreturn of said tape portions to their standby positions is effected bymoving said pressure blocks away from said tube and each other to theirrespective retracted positions.